England Look to Capitalise on New Zealand Fatigue

New Zealand will no doubt be aware that they could and should have won the first test against England.

If it wasn’t for a day being lost to rain and a stoic performance from nightwatchman, Steve Finn, then they most probably would have recorded a famous victory in Dunedin, but man of the moment Finn is clear that England will come back fighting in the second test.

“I had to do my job today as nightwatchman to see New Zealand off as long as I could,” said Finn, following his highest first class score of 56 from 203 balls.

As well as frustrating the New Zealanders and sapping their confidence, Finn’s knock also ensured that the hosts were forced to field for 171 overs and, with the second test following in quick succession, he knows that it will take time for Brendon McCullum’s side to recover physically and he expects England to take advantage of their fatigue.

“Now there’ll be some tired players in their dressing room for the Test match on Wednesday,” Finn said. “It’s important we start well in Wellington as we didn’t here.”

Despite providing sterling support for the top order batsmen and occupying the crease for long enough to deny New Zealand victory, Finn still feels frustrated at the cheap way that he gave up his wicket. “I was trying to take it ball by ball.

It was good to bat with Compo and Trott, those guys helped me through,” Finn said. “To bat for so long and sweep across the line so close to tea wasn’t the best thing for the team,” he added ruefully.

England will certainly be looking to bounce back in the second test at Wellington and the top order batsmen will be aiming to make amends for their first innings showing in the first test.

It is very rare to see two poor England performances in a row and Alistair Cook will be confident that his side can show their superior class and come away from the New Zealand capital with a comfortable victory.

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